As announced June 29, 2015 by VP Racing Fuels, Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Desert Fuels is the newest distributor to partner with VP in its retail branding program. With operations in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado and Michigan, Desert Fuels services more than 60 retail sites including 11 that it owns and operates, of which six are to be converted to the VP Racing Fuels brand during the program’s initial phase.

The first store in Albuquerque to be converted to the VP Racing Fuels brand is at 1101 Alameda Blvd, near Rio Grande Blvd in the north valley. The new image is going up now and VP Racing products will be available within the next week. The grand opening for this store will be held on August 15th. This location will be the first in the state of New Mexico to sell street-legal 101 Octane gasoline at the pump.

A key factor that drew Desert to VP’s program was the brand’s ability to reach new markets, according to Jay Kennedy, Vice President of Asset Management for Desert Fuels. “In evaluating brands that could help us achieve our objectives, it was clear they can all capture traditional commuters and soccer moms, but only VP reaches the race fans and performance enthusiasts that we’ve never successfully reached before. Albuquerque in particular has a strong racing community with the influence of the Unser family, the Unser Museum and lots of racing at local tracks.”

“Unlike other brands, VP also brings additional profit centers to the table with its additives, specialty fuels, race fuels and branded apparel. We look forward to trialing the Fuel Cube™ program to gauge the demand for 5-gallon pails and determine the proper mix of off-road fuel blends for different demographics. The racing segment was new to most of us here and we’re still learning things, like what’s a ‘Funny Car’, for example. But based on reports from other VP partners, we’re confident it will be a critical factor in our success.”

“Desert Fuels is a well-respected and innovative distributor and we’re happy to partner with them in our retail branding program,” said Alan Cerwick, President of VP Racing Fuels. “Their understanding of the industry, their enthusiasm for the program and willingness to think outside the box with us is very much appreciated. We’re looking forward to working together to reshape the branded retail landscape in the Southwest.” More information about VP Racing Fuels’ retail branding program is available at vpracingfuels.com/branding.

About the author

Jay Kennedy

Generous, kind, quick witted, analytical, athletic and quite peculiar, Jay Kennedy is to Desert Fuels what the Maraschino cherry is to any dessert, the perfect addition. Jay can quickly analyze a problem or situation and within seconds have a deep understanding and be able to offer insight and meaningful recommendations. This attribute is extremely rare, altogether unique and when partnered with his kindness and frankness creates a powerful “one-two punch” that helps the Desert Fuels team make the best decisions possible. Jay has over 14 years of experience in the fuel industry where he has led a successful fuel company, managed contracts, gained en expertise in indian/tribal fuel, owned gas stations and much more. To say Jay Kennedy is the perfect sized piece to fill in the blanks of the Desert Fuels puzzle, would be an understatement.

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